Capture Brilliant Vocals with This Retro-Style Mic!

Transform the tone of your recordings with the transformerless Neumann TLM 49 cardioid condenser microphone. Designed to make vocals sing, this large-diaphragm studio mic will lend a warm, rich sound to any performance while remaining balanced and transparent. Use it for broadcast voiceovers; use it on group background vocals; or step outside of the vocal booth and use the TLM 49 to capture sweet strings, pianos, and guitars. No matter how you apply this retro-style TLM microphone, you are sure to get optimal recording results in a classic Neumann design.

The Legendary K 47 Capsule

Inspired by vintage mics from the 1950s, the TLM 49 combines old-school appeal with modern elements in a truly ageless design suitable for both professional production studios and home studios alike. It features the K 47 capsule of Neumann's legendary M 49 and U 47 models, as well as transformerless circuit technology for low self-noise in even the most demanding recording applications. The capsule has a linear frequency response up to the upper midrange, and to flatter most vocals, there is a gentle 3 dB presence boost starting at around 2 kHz. Protecting the capsule is a big headgrille that keeps plosives, pops, and other unwanted noises in check.

TLM for "Transformerless Microphone"

Transformerless means that the microphone's usual output transformer is replaced by an electronic circuit. Neumann notes that as with traditional transformers, TLM technology ensures good common mode rejection and prevents RF interference that may influence the balanced audio signal.

Cardioid Polar Pattern -- Great for Speech, Vocals, and More

The TLM 49's large-diaphragm capsule provides a cardioid directional characteristic that leans toward supercardioid, meaning that it picks up more sound from the front than the back, and lends a tight, focused quality to the voice. Cardioid mics are generally an excellent choice for vocals. So that you know it's a Neumann, the TLM 49 is addressed from the front, marked with the red Neumann logo on the body of the microphone.

Neumann Shock Mount Included

The TLM49's wide frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz allows it to transmit extremely low-frequency signals without coloration. Yes, it's sensitive to vibration noise and wind noise, but that's why its entire interior structure is elastically mounted. What's more, the microphone comes in a set with the Neumann EA3 shock mount to isolate it from low-frequency rumble.

The TLM 49 microphone can operate at sound pressure levels of up to 114 dB without distortion, and it can provide a dynamic range of 102 dB (A-weighted).

Product Description

The Neumann TLM 49 is a large-diaphragm studio microphone with a cardioid directional characteristic and a warm sound which is especially optimized for vocal performance. It is supplied as a set, with an elastic suspension.

The design is inspired by that of the legendary M 49 and M 50 microphones of the 1950s. Naturally, the TLM 49 has the typical Neumann fine matte nickel finish. The "sound design" is also oriented toward that of the M 49 and the U 47. By combining its retro look with proven Neumann transformerless circuit technology, this microphone ensures low self-noise and the use of high gain levels.

Ideal for Vocals and Voiceover

During the development phase, the sound was adjusted in extensive practical tests, so as to make the TLM 49 ideal particularly for vocal and speech recording. However, in addition, it is also suitable for instrumental applications in professional production studios and demanding home recordings.

Cardioid Polar Pattern

The large-diaphragm capsule of the TLM 49 provides a cardioid directional characteristic with a tendency toward supercardioid, due to the special capsule construction. Following the example of the M 49, high frequencies are more directional. The capsule diameter is 34 mm. The front of the microphone is indicated by the red Neumann logo on the microphone body. The capsule is oriented so that the microphone is addressed from the front.

Famous K 47 Capsule

The TLM 49 uses the famous K 47 capsule, which was also used in the M 49 and the U 47. The capsule has a linear frequency response up to the upper mid-range. Above 2 kHz there is a gentle presence boost up to 3 dB. The capsule is enclosed by a large microphone headgrille, which is acoustically very open and is hence neutral with regard to the sound.

TLM: Transformerless Microphone

The letters TLM stand for "transformerless microphone." With TLM technology the usual output transformer is replaced by an electronic circuit. As with traditional transformers, it ensures good common mode rejection, and prevents RF interference that may influence the balanced audio signal. Noise signals which affect the balanced modulation line are therefore effectively suppressed. The microphone can operate at sound pressure levels of up to 114 dB without distortion, and provides a dynamic range of 102 dB (A-weighted).

EA 3 Shock Mount Included

Due to the wide frequency response, the TLM 49 can also transmit extremely low-frequency signals without coloration. Of course, this means that the microphone is also sensitive to noise signals such as vibration noise and wind noise in this frequency range. The TLM 49 is therefore supplied with the elastic suspension EA 3, which effectively protects the microphone from structure-borne noise. If the microphone is addressed at extremely close range, pop screen PS 15 or PS 20 a can be used in front of the microphone to provide protection against plosive sounds.

This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
"Best mic i ever used!"

Sound:
The sound through this mic is AWSOME. It is very crisp and clear.. just what i wanted. Hook it up to a GOOD PREAMP (tube or solidstate) and u will get awsome results. I use it exclusively for vocals which is what its designed for. I recorded using the TLM103 before and the tlm49 KNOCKS IT OFF !! It's brand new, and from the first couple of tests it sounds amazing. Gives u that richness and depth in the low frequencies.
Feature:
It only included a shockmount EA3, which was kinda hard to assemble, i dunno if i assembled it the way i should but it works so im fine with how i assembled it!!
Its a one pattern cardiod mic, so it got no additional features.
Ease of Use:
With a good preamp, u can go from rich thick warm voice to crisp crystal clear sound. It gives me the variation i need.
Quality:
IT'S A NEUMANN!! Its heavy and fees like it could last for age..
Value:
It was a bit over my budget and compared to other mics too. But considering that it's a NEUMANN and vocalist reviews i read, it was worth it.
And when i first plugged it in to give it the 1st try, it was worth it!
Manufacturer Support:
Didn't try and hope i wont need to.
The Wow Factor:
Its not sexy, its CHARISMATIC! The color, the heavy (almost 1 KG) weight, the hard solid metal its made out of, the shape and its LAARRGGE grill gives it an attitude and its very very appealing.
Overall:
Replace it ? Ofcourse not! I will be using this mic for a long long time! If i get another mic i will definitly use both in different projects as the tlm49 is irreplacable!

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?

"PERFECT MIC!! FORGET THE REST!"

Sound:
It sounds great..The only thing better would be a Sony C800G..Im really impressed!
Feature:
Solid Build, Nice Mount, Beautiful appearance..There is nothing more you could ask for..
Ease of Use:
Plug in and record!! Thats it!
Quality:
Neumann is the Rolls Royce of Mic's...Quality is top notch
Value:
It really is worth the money..It costs a bit, but you only get one shot to impress a listener..why not do it with quality?
Manufacturer Support:
Never had to call support..but if im paying 1500 bucks..they better work extra hours!
Overall:
I love this mic..It was just what I needed to get that professional sound that I have always been searching for!

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